King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
Chelmsford, CM1 3SX · Essex · Grammar school
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3rd of 78 secondary schools in Essex we can score, 81 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 118 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 9.3/10 among them, against 9.9/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 87 | 35% | 3.05 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 99.3 · 99 | 30% | 2.98 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 1.11 · 99 | 25% | 2.47 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 83.0 · 100 | 10% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 100.0% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 83.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +1.11 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in February 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join CCF, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, World Challenge, Young Engineers, and Jack Petchey Awards. Trips include visits to France, Germany, Iceland, Kenya, and worldwide expeditions.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,153 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,142. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the highest grades in English and maths? How are the worldwide expeditions funded and organised for different year
What Ofsted said about King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils make "excellent progress" and achieve "consistently high standards" from high starting points. Leaders provide an "incredibly rich, vibrant and well-thought-out sixth-form experience" that significantly enhances students' future opportunities. The school fosters a community where respect and kindness are "highly valued and non-negotiable," resulting in harmonious classrooms and high attendance.
Strengths
- Pupils make "significant and sustained gains" in learning, with "remarkable progress" noted for the most vulnerable pupils.
- Sixth-form students access "highly ambitious and up-to-date content" and benefit from "very high quality and wide ranging work experience opportunities."
- Teachers possess "considerable knowledge" and lead "highly enthusiastic debates," encouraging pupils to apply learning in "rich and complex ways."
- Leaders provide "highly personalised care and support," ensuring barriers to learning are removed and all pupils thrive.
- Pupils develop into "principled global citizens," engaging in extensive extra-curricular activities and community contributions.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement, stating leaders should "continue to build on their strengths" and "sustain the exceptionally high-quality provision."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 83.7 |
| 2024/25 | 83.3 |
| 2025/26 | 83.0 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Open evening28 Jun 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
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